Jaguars Free Agency Tracker: Updated Signings, Rumors & Grades

The Jacksonville Jaguars will have ample cap space to improve a roster that finished 2-14 in 2012 when free agency begins on Tuesday.

According to Spotrac, the Jaguars possess $34.8 million in available cash, which new general manager David Caldwell can spend on either re-signing in-house free agents or making a splash on the open market.

For the Jaguars to get out of the AFC South cellar in 2013, Caldwell will likely have to find a working mixture of both.

Stick here for all the latest rumors, reports and signings as free agency opens Tuesday. We'll have real-time updates and analysis, plus grades on each move the Jaguars make during the free-agent period.

March 8: O'Halloran reports that the Jaguars are not ruling out a deal for free-agent defensive tackle Terrance Knighton. The story also states that Jacksonville is expected to pursue Cox, center Brad Meester, fullback Greg Jones and linebacker Daryl Smith.

March 7:According to O'Halloran, free-agent center Brad Meester will "likely retire" if the price isn't right this offseason.

March 5: O'Halloran reports that the Jaguars will not offer a new contract to free-agent cornerback Rashean Mathis, who has played his entire NFL career in Jacksonville.

Jaguars Sign LB Geno Hayes

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Finally, the Jags make a move in free agency that isn't trimming their own fat.

In Hayes, Jacksonville get a potential starting outside linebacker who has vast experience playing special teams. At the very least, Hayes could be a valuable backup and core special teamer for the rebuilding Jaguars.

As a three-year starter for the Buccaneers, Hayes made nearly 200 total tackles, registered seven sacks, picked off four passes and forced four fumbles. He spent last season as Chicago's top backup linebacker.

While signing Hayes isn't a huge splash for a team blessed with cap room, it's likely to be a low-cost addition with depth and special teams value.

Over the last four years—three in Seattle and last season in Houston—Forsett ran for 1,661 yards (at 4.9 yards a carry) and caught 100 passes for 768 more. He rushed 13 times for 94 yards in two games against Jacksonville last season.

The money here isn't likely to be substantial. For one or two years, Forsett makes sense as a backup with NFL experience.

Jaguars Sign DT Roy Miller

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MIller isn't a big name—this is becoming a running theme for Jacksonville's additions in free agency—but he can help the Jaguars.

A 23-game starter for the Buccaneers over the last three years, Miller is only 25 years old and comes with a reputation for being strong against the run. He isn't much of a pass rusher—just three sacks in four NFL seasons—but the Jaguars will benefit from his run-stuffing abilities.

With Terrance Knighton in Denver, Miller should be an immediate starter. He'll likely come at half the cost, too.

Jaguars Sign DB Alan Ball

After a visit Thursday, the Jaguars wrapped up the former Texans defensive back.

However, don't expect the move to have a big impact in 2013.

While Ball has experience playing cornerback and safety, this signing likely won't result in the Jaguars finding a starter at either position. Ball is a depth player, at best.

The 27-year-old saw just over 100 snaps for the Texans last season, but he struggled when asked to play a significant role. Against both the Packers and Lions, Ball had a difficult time in coverage (allowed touchdowns in both games).

As a backup and special teams contributor, Ball makes sense. Anything more, and the Jaguars are reaching.